The trot-up, sponsored by British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet, played out in the sunshine at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials this afternoon. The Palace made for a magnificent backdrop as 81 horses were accepted in the CCI4*-L. Riders presented the horses to the Ground Jury of President Andrew Bennie (NZ), Mr Les Smith and Ms Nikki Herbert. The Vet Delegate was Alison Butler and FEI Chief Steward Nicky Salmon.
Highlights of the trot-up had to be the best dressed competition sponsored by Hiho Silver who craft artisanal jewellery designed to take you from ‘mucking out to going out’. Judged by Hiho’s ‘King of the Road’ Andrew Ransford, the competition went down to the wire with some notable outfits on display – prizes of £200 to spend with Hiho Silver were finally awarded as follows:
Best Dressed Lady: Vicky Browne-Cole in a glamourous but understated combination of cream and caramel. Her cream draped blouse was elegantly combined with caramel coloured trousers, loafers, fedora and tasteful jewellery with gold rimmed sunglasses.
Best Dressed Man: Tom Crisp wore a very smart outfit featuring a three-piece blue suit with a contrasting tweed waist coat, brown suede brogues and sunglasses. Commenting on the winning riders Andrew said, “It becomes increasingly difficult to choose the best dressed so some input from the team at Stable Events was much appreciated. I chose them both because it was obvious how much thought had been put into their ensembles. Vicky’s stood out because of the simplicity and sheer style of her outfit, highlighted by the touches of her sunglasses, jewellery and hat which all added up to something very special. “Tom took the prize because he had obviously taken the time to plan what he was wearing and it was super smart.”
An award from Sponsor British Horse Feeds for Best Condition Horse was also presented to the Groom for the chosen horse. The winner, chosen by Jess Blackford from British Horse Feeds, was Kenzo Power B who is ridden by David Doel. “He just stood out from the moment he appeared in front to of me,” she explained. “The power, the star quality and how he was turned out literally shone through, it will have taken a lot of work from David’s groom Jade Roberts to get him looking like that – so she certainly deserves her prize.”
Event Organiser, Katrina Midgley, is looking forward to the start of the competition tomorrow. “We can’t wait for the competition to get underway now after a very exciting week already for Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials. This event is very special to competitors, exhibitors, sponsors and spectators alike and we all are looking forward to an exceptional event. The team has gone above and beyond to bring everything together so beautifully too.”
Don’t miss a weekend of world-class eventing and fun for the whole family, admission starts from £30 with free parking and free admission for children 12 and under. Visit www.bpiht.co.uk to find out more.
Image courtesy of BPIHT/Libby Law Photography
Release supplied by event.
